D.F.U. WANTS CHECK KEPT ON PIG WEIGHTS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6866, 22 March 1929, Page 8

D.F.U. WANTS CHECK KEPT ON PIG WEIGHTS

Suggests Officer be Appointed ■ I A Business Proposition , that Supplier Should Know Weight of His Produce At its meeting yesterday, the Manawatu branch of the Dairy Farmers’ Union again discussed the question of tho accuracy of pig weights supplied by bacon companies to their suppliers. During the course of the discussion, the opinion was expressed that while tho bacon companies were above reproach, farmers were entitled to have some ch n ck placed upon the weighing of pigs supplied by them to the companies. Mr. L. A. Poupard, who was the chief mover in the matter, gave it as his opinion that the institution of such a check was only plain business and should be taken as no reflection upon the companies.' As a result of the discussion, the following motion proposed by Mr. Poupard was carried by four votes to three, one member, remaining neutral:— “That as there appears to be a certain amount of dissatisfaction regarding the checking of hook weights of pigs, this union suggests to the various bacon companies that a fixed charge of say three pence per pig be made by the companies concerned, such deduction to bo paid ae a salary to an officer appointed by fanners to check the weight of pigs killed in the companies’ works.” No Government Check. The discussion arose when a letter was read from the Department of Agriculture replying to a communication from tho Union in connection with the checking of weights of stock killed at freezing works and abattoirs. In reply, tho department advised that it had no representatives at these works for the purpose of checking the weights of stock killed. Mr. Poupard pointed out that this fact was not generally known to farmers, many of whom were under the impression that the weighing of stock was checked by a government officer. He had recently entered into a press controversy with the manager of a local bacon factory in connoction with the weighing of pigs. Ho thought that it was clue toi the farmers to have these pig weights checked. If there was no need for such a check why was it that the bacon companies were prepared to pay a farthing more a pound for hook weight than scale weight? Present System Fair.

Mr. TV. P. Bickers stated that, as they all knew, he had had some experience in connection with these matters. When the companies paid on hook weight it meant that the farmer received payment for the weight of tho carcase after its examination by the health inspector. This official might reject this head, for instance, and the supplier would not accordingly be paid for this part of the animal. As far as scale weight was concerned ho was of the opinion that the percentage taken off by the bacon companies was not over tho odds when it was considered that the pigs were often filled up with whey, etc. and would not weigh out over the scales. Ho knew of several cases where tho farmer had received payment for more weight than there was in tho pig. His Pound of Flesh. Mr. Poupard stated that the farmer only wanted to make suro that ho rereceived payment for every pound weight to which he was due. It was not business to expect tho supplier to hand the animaliover to the company and to know nothing further about it. Ho was entitled to know something about the other end as- well. They might be getting a fair deal from the companies at present but, on the other hand, they might not, and they had no means of knowing. A charge of say two pence a pig would cover a decent check being kept on the hook weights. He was prepared to move a motion suggesting that such a charge should bo made in order to make possible the appointment of a checking officer. He had questioned quite a number of farmers on the matter and he did not think that any of them would kick against the small extra charge to ensure a cheek being kept. Farmer Pays.

Mr. Bichcrs pointed out that tho farmer would bo compelled to pay for the employment of a cheeking officer and all this meant that suppliers would reccivo less for their pigs. Personally lie thought it was going rather far when they required inspectors to keep men honest. If they could not trust tho companies, then it was a bad position. 110 was sure that they would get a straight deal without an inspector. A Business Proposition. “We are not doubting tho companies,’’ said Mr. J. H. Mason “but after all the companies are the only ones who know the weights. It is only a business proposition that we should know the weight of our pigs. Wo should bo able to have some check over the weight of our produce.” Mr. Jas. Boyce expressed the opinion that the companies were sometimes paying for skilly and whey rvlien buying on the scales. When buying on the hook, they were getting all pig. Personally he did not think that the appointment of a checking officer would get them any further. After a little further discussion, Mr. Poupard moved the motion given above which was carried by one vote.